Moody blues: Man who signed many of Mackay's players has been replaced (Image: Action)

Share

Get daily updates directly to your inbox

Thank you for subscribing!

Could not subscribe, try again laterInvalid Email

Malky Mackay will NOT walk out on Cardiff City despite the club suspending one of his key lieutenants, the Press Association are reporting.

Iain Moody, who worked for Mackay at Watford FC before making the switch to Wales with him in 2011, has been replaced as head of recruitment by 23-year-old Alisher Apsalyamov.

Cardiff declined to comment on the matter when contacted by Press Association Sport.

The reasoning behind Moody's suspension is unknown but it is understood Apsalyamov - who is thought to be a friend of owner Vincent Tan's son and appears to have no previous experience in football - has taken over from him in an acting capacity.

Apsalyamov joined the club in February, but his name does not appear on a list of key staff members on the club's official website.

Mackay has regularly praised Moody's scouting and recruitment work at the south Wales club, where he has helped to secure the likes of Steven Caulker, Gary Medel, Kevin Theophile-Catherine and Fraizer Campbell.

The loss of Moody saw several bookmakers install highly-rated Mackay as the favourite to be the next Premier League manager to leave his post.

But it is understood that while he is disappointed by events, he will be in charge when Cardiff face Chelsea a week on Saturday.